What You Need to Know About Your Skin?

 

Dry skin: Every time we are exposed to the elements (sun, wind and rain) our skin will usually lose some of its moisture content. This is not just a passive process. It is a mechanical one, which means that we need to actively maintain our skin's moisture every time we engage in outdoor skin care. You can achieve this by using proper sunscreen lotion and reapplying it every time you step out in the sun or apply a water based moisturizer every time you get moist.

Acne is one of the most frequent skin-care problems around the world. The problem is made worse by the fact that it can happen at any time of the year. Most sufferers are teenagers and young adults who do not know what ingredients to look out for in a good acne skin-care routine and how to choose a quality acne fighting cream. Unfortunately, this can make it a difficult task to find a suitable solution that can effectively eliminate the problem.

Toners are another important ingredient in a good skin care routine. Unfortunately, too many people ignore the importance of using a good toner and use only cleansers and toners. This has a devastating effect. Toner and cleanser don't work as effectively against acne as a moisturizer does. To fight acne, your skin needs specific ingredients such as alpha hydroxyl acids, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. Unfortunately, most toners contain only a mild amount of these ingredients which are not very effective.

The best toners are those that contain vitamin A, vitamin E, and glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is an exfoliating agent and works well against acne bacteria. It also works well for dry skin. However, it can be harsh on the skin. A gentle toner can be made at home by mixing 2 oz. of lukewarm water with half a teaspoon of xylitol or lemon juice and a few drops of tea tree oil.

Cleansing is an inevitable part of good skin care. In fact, this is probably the single most important step in any skin care routine. However, most people use excessively abrasive cleansers which strip the skin's natural protective layer of oil causing dry, itchy, and irritated skin. There are many over-the-counter cleansing products to choose from, but be sure they do not include ingredients like triclosan and sodium laureth sulfate, which have been shown to be harmful.

Cleansing can be performed with normal soaps, however, most toners contain an exfoliant. This may be a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinol. Triclosan is a commonly used preservative used in soaps because it lasts longer than benzyl peroxide. Although many people do not believe in the link between a healthy diet and beautiful skin, researchers have proven that diets low in sodium and rich in antioxidants are linked to lower incidence of stroke and coronary disease. The logic is simple: the less sodium you have in your diet, the healthier your skin looks. Similarly, when you apply a toner that contains anti-inflammatory agents like benzoyl peroxide to dry, it will improve your skin's appearance, making you look younger.

The last step of your skin care regimen should be a good moisturizer. Lotions containing alpha hydroxyl acids and other natural oils are becoming more popular, as are serum-type products. When selecting a moisturizer, choose one that contains Shea butter, avocado oil, macadamia oil, or olive oil. These ingredients help prevent moisture loss from the surface of the skin, thereby keeping you feeling more comfortable and hydrated. Along with a good moisturizer, you want to select a good acne spot treatment that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or triclosan. With these three ingredients, you will surely have a healthy and youthful skin in no time at all!